Health Care Studies Courses (HCS)

 

101     Introduction to Health Care Models (3)

Fulfills core competency: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving. Course explores the U.S. health care model and other models around the globe, including each systems service delivery structure, typical practice environments and roles and responsibilities of the different practitioners and patients with the system. It will focus on the historical development of the different health care systems; the types of facilities, services, agencies and personnel that constitute the different systems; as well as the responses of each health care systems to the changing global community's health care needs. Discussions will encompass the ethical, economic, and social issues confronted by each of the different systems. Offered Each Year (Fall).

 

105     Introduction to Weight Training (1)

This course introduces the student to the weight room environment.  Specific instructions will be given on how to use resistance training equipment such as free weights, machines and adjunct equipment to exercise and train the major muscle groups of the body to attain a higher fitness level.  Basic concepts will be presented to allow the student to apply the knowledge gained in the course to their personal training goals.  No prior exercise experience is necessary; this course is designed for the beginner.  Offered As Needed

106     Introduction to Core Strengthening (1)

This course will introduce students to a range of exercises aimed at increasing core strength, enhancing stability, and supporting posture.  Physioball, matwork, and other exercises will be demonstrated and practiced, including modifications for beginning, intermediate and advanced routines. Beginners will learn how to safely incorporate these exercises into a personal training routine, while more advanced students will benefit by learning techniques and approaches for teaching these exercises to fitness clients.  Offered As Needed.

 

108     Introduction to Athletic Training (1)

This course is designed to introduce students to the profession of athletic training. Topics will include the history of the athletic training profession, the sports medicine team, scope of practice, professional organizations, and roles of other health care professionals. Offered Each Year (Fall).

 

200     CPR & Emergency Health Care (2)

This course outlines the roles of the health care provider and the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) in emergency care.  The course focuses on first aid management for life-threatening and non-life-threatening emergencies such as choking, respiratory & cardiac arrest, medical emergencies, injury emergencies, and environmental emergencies incurred during athletic activities. Successful completion by the student is required for eligibility for American Heart Association’s BLS for Healthcare Providers (CPR/AED) and Heartsaver First Aid Certifications.  Offered Each Year (Spring).

 

201     Survey of Eastern & Western Complementary Medical Approaches (3)

This course provides an overview of current complementary therapies. Complementary therapies, also commonly referred to as Alternative therapies, recognize the person as a physical, mental and spiritual being and that disease affects each of these areas of life. These therapies, each in its own way, attempt to achieve a state of balance to help promote the return to wellness and to help the individual remain healthy in the future. Each therapy is reviewed, compared and contrasted as to its history, purpose, uses, contraindications and education/training of the practitioner. Offered As Needed.

 

205     Healthy Eating and Body Image (2)

This course explores community health education as it relates to disordered eating behaviors and body image.  Both individual and societal preoccupations with body image are referenced, as modern Western society places increasing emphasis on women's and men's weight and appearance. The effects of popular media on individual's body perception and the way these effects manifest themselves in various physical and psychological disorders will be discussed. Healthy eating will be emphasized as well as other individual and community level approaches to prevention and education. Offered As Needed.

 

206     Cardiovascular Health Education (2)

The course will cover selected topics in cardiovascular health education including heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, stroke, diabetes and obesity. Current epidemiological research will be reviewed including risk factors, screening, treatment and prevention of disease at the primary, secondary and tertiary level will be emphasized.  Current models of health education promoting cardiovascular health will be introduced.  Offered As Needed.

 

215     HIV/AIDS Education: Science and Society (1)

This course explores multiple perspectives of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, including fundamental principles of HIV/AIDS education, current biomedical advances, and psychological and social aspects of living with the virus.  The course will allow students to comfortably discuss issues related to HIV/AIDS, will provide experience with several strategies used in teaching HIV/AIDS education, and will assist students in planning for and developing appropriate educational programs.  Offered As Needed.

 

216     Sexual Health Education (2)

This course explores a multitude of concepts related to the theory, practice and teaching of sexual health education at a community level.  The course includes comprehensive coverage of information and issues of human sexuality, those related to sexuality education, and an explanation and practice of educational skills necessary for skilled sexuality educators.  Offered As Needed.

 

225     Healthy Relationships (1)

This course introduces theories and approaches to education on healthy relationships.  It will explore the formation of non-intimate and intimate relationships between people, and the effects (with an emphasis on health) of these relationships on people. These relationships include the everyday associations we have with others as a result of the positions we occupy in various situations (often called role-relationships), as well as the more intimate relationships we form with others (friendships, family relationships, and sexual relationships). Offered As Needed.

 

229     Holistic Lifestyle Practices (3)

This course will introduce students to fundamental theories and approaches to a holistic, or wellness based lifestyle.  Current evidence on the physiological and psychological effects of stress, as well as stress management techniques, expressive therapies and coping strategies will be explored.  This is an applied course in which students will actively engage in stress management exercises, relaxation techniques, self assessments, and personal behavior change projects related to disease prevention.  The course will also explore nutrition as it relates to modern day diets, including contemporary findings on functional foods, vegetarian and vegan diets and other nutritional approaches to health.  Offered As Needed.

 

300     Contemporary Issues in Integrative Health Care (3)

This course serves as a capstone course for the curriculum. Learning experiences will focus on creating dialogue around contemporary issues in interdisciplinary health care service delivery. Students will examine these topics considering the perspective of the patient/consumer, health care provider and the health care system within which the services are being provided. Selected topics will be discussed based on current literature with student lead discussions and presentations serving as the primary vehicle for learning. This course incorporates both research and presentation, as students will develop, complete and present a major research project across the semester with evidence-based decision-making serving as a major tenet for debate and deliberation around each issue presented. Prerequisite: Senior status in Health Care Studies. Offered Each Year (Spring).

 

301     Physiology of Exercise and Cardiopulmonary Assessment (3)

Focuses on the physiological bases of active living and sport activities. Addresses functional capacity of the human body, in particular the cardiopulmonary systems, to adjust to demands of work entailing various duration, intensities and technical requirements of the activity. Factors such as age, gender, risk factors, sedentary and non-sedentary life style, and training habits of individuals will be considered as they relate to cardiovascular assessment, training and individual limitations to performance including possibilities for safely minimizing limitations and maximizing performance. Course includes laboratories experiences directed toward competence in graded exercise testing, exercise prescription, and exercise programming as applied to asymptomatic apparently healthy individuals and prevention of cardiovascular, pulmonary, or metabolic diseases. Prerequisite: Four credits in Anatomy and Physiology. Offered Each Year (Fall).

 

305     Communicating Health (3)

This course will present fundamental models and theories of health communication to students interested in health promotion and education.  Students will move through the steps of the health communication process, from planning to evaluation, will learn to assess an audience and create culturally appropriate materials, and will examine and critique existing health promotion materials, media, and campaigns. Contemporary research in the areas of intercultural communication, provider-patient-family communication, community mobilization, advocacy, social marketing and health technology will be explored. Prerequisite: HCS 310 recommended.  Offered As Needed.

 

308     Environmental Health (3)

This course will provide an introduction to environmental and occupational health. This course is intended to give students a basic understanding of how environmental factors impact the health of people and the community, and of the efforts made to prevent or minimize the effects of negative impacts. The emphasis of this course is to explore the relationship of people to their environment -- how the environment affects their physical well-being, and what they can do to protect and enhance their health, and to influence the quality of the environment.  Offered As Needed.

 

310     Health Promotion and Education (3)

Through this course students will explore concepts and models of health and wellness, health promotion and health education. This course will review the history and profession of health promotion and education, educational theories, and will explore health related programs and initiatives in school, clinical, government and corporate settings. Strategies and implementation tactics will be discussed for successful development and delivery of health and wellness programs to address community and individuals’ needs. Offered Each Year (Fall).

 

317     Human Motion: Principles and Perspectives (4)

This course is a study of functional anatomy, biomechanical principles, and kinesiology as applied to human movement.  Structure and function of the neuromusculoskeletal system including muscle actions, joint motions, and the basic principles of kinesiology are covered.  Emphasis is placed on Newton’s Laws and force vector analyses as applied to the study of kinematics, kinetics, anthropometrics and muscle mechanics across all regions of the body.  Laboratory sessions will incorporate cadaver prosections and problem-based learning experiences to promote development of skill in critical analysis of normal and abnormal movement, the application of kinetic and kinematic biomechanical analysis of movement directed toward assessment for prevention of injury, promotion of function, and optimizing motor skill performance.  Pre/Co-Requisite: HCS 301.  Offered Each Year (Fall).

 

320     Community Health Education and Disease Prevention (3)

The course identifies and explores infectious and non-infectious diseases in relationship to risk factors, populations at risk, and epidemiology. Etiology and mechanisms of injury and disease onset are presented with emphasis on principles and strategies for education, prevention and health maintenance. Medical and therapeutic interventions designed to address common injuries and infectious and non-infectious diseases will be discussed as they relate to community education, prevention and safety program development. Offered Each Year (Spring).

 

321     Community Health Education: Needs Assessment (3)

This course provides students with the knowledge and skills to assess health resources and needs, to engage communities in the planning process, and to begin developing health education and promotion programs to meet the specific needs of a particular population. This course examines the program planning and development process, including both planning and program models, strategy/intervention selection, setting goals and objectives and performing both primary and secondary needs assessments.  Prerequisite: HCS 310. Offered Each Year (Spring).

 

332     Strength and Conditioning (3)

This course is designed to apply the fundamentals of exercise physiology, anatomy, kinesiology and biomechanics to various forms of strength and conditioning exercise. Through practical application, students will learn to assist others in improving athletic performance and fitness, as it relates to training, resistance, aerobic and anaerobic exercise, and injury prevention methods. Students will be exposed to the current research findings in the strength and conditioning field, and will learn through lectures, demonstrations and practical laboratories. Prerequisites: HCS 301 and 317, or instructor permission.  Offered Each Year (Spring).

 

335     Critical Issues in Global Health (3)

Fulfills core competency: Civic Responsibility. The course introduces the many contexts of global health.  Critical issues to be explored include multiple determinants of health, the disparities and burden of disease experienced around the globe, particularly by such populations as women and children, the ethical dimensions related to these disparities, current health priorities, and the importance of global health in the terms of development.  The Millennium Development Goals will be referred to as a standard for future goals on a global scale.  Offered Each Year (Spring).

 

338     Social Determinants of Health (3)

Fulfills core competency: Civic Responsibility. This course will provide students with an understanding of how social factors contribute to racial/ethnic, socioeconomic and gender disparities in health and health care. This course will explore the way the social environment and social behavior influence health. We will cover the most recent research findings in the area of social epidemiology and medical sociology and discuss and debate the causes and consequences of social inequalities in health. Students will gain experience in judging the sometimes conflicting evidence between the claims and apply the body of literature to situations with which they are familiar and may have encountered in everyday life. Students will discuss the policy interventions that have been designed to address disparities in health and health care.  Offered As Needed.

 

340     Musculoskeletal Fitness Assessment (3)

This course is designed to assist students in acquiring basic physical assessment skills. The student is guided in development of logical thinking and precise communication in physical assessment. This lecture/laboratory course will introduce the concepts of musculoskeletal fitness examination and evaluation and will promote development of knowledge and psychomotor skills necessary for differentiating major types of musculoskeletal dysfunctions/disorders. Assessment considerations will include the psychological, biomechanical, anthropometric, and environmental factors that influence functional performance. Pathologies of upper and lower extremities and trunk are examined for contributions to abnormal patterns of posture, movement, and locomotion. The roles of pre-employment physical screening exercise and movement skill training in preventing injury and restoring performance are examined. Techniques will be presented and practiced in the context of clinical problems. Prerequisites: HCS 301 and 317, or instructor permission.  Offered Each Year (Spring).

 

350     Fitness Training and Exercise Prescription (3)

Students develop the rationale for and the skills to examine, evaluate and prescribe a comprehensive, individualized health-related fitness programs for individuals in a variety of settings. The class includes lectures, demonstrations, and practical laboratories in which students will acquire knowledge and competence in exercise prescription, exercise programming, and health assessment as applied to asymptomatic apparently healthy individuals. The course will include the physiological basis of the short-term response and long-term adaptation of the neuromusculoskeletal and metabolic systems to exercise including the effect of manipulating specific exercise parameters. Instruction in the proper techniques and execution of training activities is emphasized. Prerequisite: HCS 301. Offered Each Year (Fall).

 

353     Introduction to Epidemiology (3)

This course will introduce students to the field of epidemiology, which is the study of the distribution and determinants of health in populations. The course will emphasize methods for assessing factors associated with the distribution and etiology of health and disease. This course will introduce students to key epidemiological concepts and calculations, how to identify and evaluate sources of health information, epidemiological investigation techniques and the evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of different study designs.  Offered Each Year (Spring).

 

491     Professional Practicum in Community Health

492     Professional Practicum in Health and Fitness Training

493     Professional Practicum in Complementary and Alternative Health Care Practices

(minimum of three credits in area of specialization)

The primary purpose of this course is to assist in the development of a competent health care professional who is aware of and can demonstrate those personal and professional competencies necessary for functioning as a contributing professional in a health care environment. The focus of the course is on the implementation of communication skills, critical thinking and the application of knowledge and skills gained in didactic coursework in their target employment environment. In collaboration with, and supervised by Health Care Studies faculty, students will be placed in a practicum site, and will develop learning objectives relative to their placement, This 3-credit experience requires a minimum of 150 hours in the work place and is typically completed within one 15-week semester. If a student chooses a second specialization, a minimum of one additional credit is required in that area of specialization. Prerequisite: Senior status in Health Care Studies. Offered As Needed.

 

Mind Body Domain (CAT)

 

201     Introduction to Psychoneuroimmunology (1)

This course will introduce the learner to the field of Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) as it applies to the nature of the Mind-Body connection and its influence on health and well being. Current scientific theory and research regarding the minds ability to either positively or negatively influence the physical body's form and immune response will be offered and discussed. The theoretical applicability of several complementary healthcare practices in positively influencing this constant mind-body and body-mind dialogue in promoting wellness will be explored. Learning experiences will include lecture, small group collaborative activities, self-study and instructor facilitated classroom and web based, threaded discussion. Recommended: Anatomy and Physiology. Offered As Needed.

 

202     Foundations of Meditation and Mental Imagery (2)

This class will include an introduction to various forms of contemporary and wisdom tradition meditations and mental imagery exercises including concentrative, mindfulness and transcendental. The roots and theory of meditation and mental imagery will be discussed along with an overview of scientific inquiry regarding performance effects on the physical body and mind as it relates to health. Specific instruction regarding the performance of meditation and mental imagery will be offered in a lab type setting. Learning experiences will include lecture, self-study, classroom discussion and instructor guided group meditation and imagery exercise. Offered As Needed.

 

203     The Science of Prayer in Physical Healing (1)

In this course, an overview of prayer will be offered from a basis of theoretical foundation and purported efficacy on health and healing rather than from the perspective of spirituality or religiosity. Participants will be afforded an opportunity to independently research, critically review and report to the class on published works regarding this topic. Thoughtful peer group discussion will follow each presentation. Learning experiences will include lecture, self-study, student presentation and instructor guided classroom discussion. Offered As Needed.

 

204     Hypnotherapy (3)

It is the objective of this course to train the student on the use of classical and modern hypnosis techniques, including hypnotic inductions, deepening techniques, depth testing procedures, delivering hypnotic suggestions, emerging the client as well as educating the student in safety and ethical considerations of working with clients using hypnosis. It is also designed to teach the student how to setup, organize and promote his or her hypnotherapy practice. Offered As Needed.

 

Manipulative & Body Based Domains

 

210     Massage Therapy I (2)

This class will include an introduction to various forms of massage therapy. The origins and theory of Traditional European (including Swedish) massage techniques and their effects will be discussed along with an overview of scientific inquiry regarding performance effects on the physical body and mind as it relates to health. Specific instruction regarding the performance of basic massage techniques (effleurage, petrissage, friction, vibration and tapotment) will be offered in a lab setting. Learning experiences will include lecture, self-study, classroom discussion and instructor guided massage techniques. Prerequisites: HCS 301, 302, 303.

 

211     Massage Therapy II (1)

This class will build upon the concepts and techniques presented in CAT 210. Contemporary Western techniques and their effects will be discussed along with an overview of scientific inquiry regarding performance effects on the physical body and mind as it relates to health. Specific instruction regarding the performance of deep tissue, myofascial, sports and manual lymphatic drainage massage techniques will be offered in a lab setting. Learning experiences will include lecture, self-study, classroom discussion and instructor guided massage techniques. Prerequisites: HCS 301, 302, 303.

 

212     Massage Therapy III (1)

This class will also build upon CAT 210. Structural Integration (focusing on Rolfing), craniosacral and zero balancing techniques will be discussed and practiced along with an overview of scientific inquiry regarding performance effects on the physical body and mind as it relates to health. Specific instruction regarding the performance of techniques will be offered in a lab setting. Learning experiences will include lecture, self-study, classroom discussion and instructor guided massage techniques. Prerequisites: HCS 301, 302, 303.

 

213     Foundations of Yoga (2)

Fulfills core competency: Affective Judgment. This class will provide an introduction to the practice of Hatha Yoga. The origins, postures, stretches, and breathing techniques aimed at spiritual and physical well-being will be discussed and practiced along with an overview of scientific inquiry regarding performance effects on the physical body and mind as it relates to health. Specific instruction regarding the performance of basic techniques to balance and liberate an individual’s natural flow of energy or prana will be offered in a lab setting. Offered Each Year (Fall and Spring).

 

214     Foundations of Tai Chi (1)

Fulfills core competency: Affective Judgment. This class will provide an introduction to the practice of the Tai Chi art form. The ancient Chinese physical art forms series of slow choreographed movements combined with coordinated breathing and mental concentration will be discussed and practiced along with an overview of scientific inquiry regarding performance effects on the physical body and mind as it relates to health. Specific instruction regarding the performance of basic techniques to balance yin & yang and movement of chi, the vital life force, throughout the body will be offered in a lab setting. Offered Each Year (Fall).

 

Energy Therapies Domains

 

220     Foundations of Energy Therapies (1)

The content of this course centers upon quantum physics perspective of matter and the physical body. Representative theory and research supporting the notion that all matter is composed merely of various forms of vibrations and energy waves will be offered and discussed. The non-local nature of these vibrations and energy waves will be discussed as it pertains to the holistic notion of the individual and the universe. The assertion that matter is merely non-local energy will be explored as it relates to several complementary healthcare practices. Learning experiences will include lecture, small group collaborative activities, self-study and instructor facilitated classroom and web based, threaded discussion. Recommended: Anatomy and Physiology. Offered As Needed.

 

221     Introduction to the Chakra System (1)

Discuss the human energy field and its relationship to human health, including the Chakra system. Course will develop the understanding of the human energy field and how it affects the patient on a physical, mental, and spiritual level. Offered As Needed.

 

222     Reiki I: Self (1)

The course introduces the history and the philosophy of this universal method of energy healing, and explores its techniques for self-attunement. The course and practice focus on the Reiki principle that the body recognizes the universal life energy and uses it to promote balance and total health. Learning experiences will include lecture, self-study, classroom discussion and instructor guided techniques. Recommended: Anatomy and Physiology. Offered As Needed.

 

223     Reiki II: Others (1)

The course builds upon CAT 221 and explores the training necessary for application of Reiki attunement techniques in the promotion of healing in others. Prerequisite: CAT 222. Offered As Needed.

 

224     Qi Gong Healing Method (1)

Fulfills core competency: Affective Judgment. This class will provide an introduction to the practice of one branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the healing art of Qi Gong. This art form utilizes various movement exercises, self, massage and meditations. Origins and techniques will be discussed and practiced along with an overview of scientific inquiry regarding performance effects on the physical body and mind as it relates to health. Specific instruction regarding the performance of basic techniques will be offered in a lab setting. Offered Each Year (Spring).

 

225     Acupressure (1)

This course focuses on the history, philosophy, theory and practice of acupressure and the Shiatsu, Chinese and Japanese Massage techniques. There is an overview of the 12 primary channels and the two governing vessels, as well as the acu-points, which are commonly used in bodywork. This course is also designed to focus on a wide range of techniques and clinical applications of massage therapy that can be used as a preventative treatment or to assist those suffering from common ailments. Learning experiences will include lecture, self-study, classroom discussion and instructor guided techniques. Recommended: Anatomy and Physiology. Offered As Needed.

 

226     Healing and Therapeutic Touch (1)

This course introduces the origins and practices of therapeutic touch. Course explores the use of the hands on or near the body to help or heal. The concepts and techniques performed are based on the premise that interaction between persons can be viewed as exchanges of energy between two interacting fields. Learning experiences will include lecture, self-study, classroom discussion and instructor guided techniques. Recommended: Anatomy and Physiology. Offered As Needed.

 

228     Introduction to Reflexology (1)

This course provides and introduction to the gentle art and pressure therapy of Reflexology. Students explore the basic theory and learn the principles and holistic, physiological effects of application of pressure to specific reflex points on the hands and feet. Learning experiences will include lecture, self-study, classroom discussion and instructor guided techniques. Recommended: Anatomy and Physiology. Offered As Needed.

 

Biological Based Therapies Domains

 

230     Herbal Studies (3)

The study of the ways that herbs and herbal remedies have traditionally been used in the Western and Eastern societies. Explore the philosophy of herbalism and distinct nutritional and therapeutic benefits that herbs can offer. Learn the fundamentals of preparing and using herbs for health enhancement. Specific health practices, which utilize the therapeutic applications of herbs and other botanical substances, such as roots, leaves, bark or berries of plants, will be discussed. These substances can be made into various forms of tablets, capsules, teas, lozenges, or poultices, and are generally sold over-the-counter in health food stores and neighborhood pharmacies. Recommended: BIO 117: Human Nutrition, Anatomy and Physiology. Offered As Needed.

 

231     Aromatherapy: The Science of Fragrance (1)

The course provides and introduction to Aromatherapy and the uses, principles and physiological effects of essential oils. The course will explore the basic theory and practice of aromatherapy; the most commonly used complementary therapy in the United Kingdom. Prerequisites: Anatomy and Physiology. Offered As Needed.

 

232     Homeopathy (2)

Introduces the basic principles of homeopathy. Course sessions introduce the system of healing based on the natural law of like cures like. Topics include information about homeopathic case taking and analysis, homeopathic first aid and home care and its uses for patient education and its application in acute and chronic ailments. Prerequisites: CAT 230, BIO 117 Human Nutrition, BIO 313-314 Anatomy and Physiology. Offered As Needed.

 

233     Naturopathy (2)

Course will discuss the history, philosophy and fundamental principles of the healing art of naturopathy. Course sessions will include information about naturopathic practices and their application and use in creating a state of complete mental, physical and social wellbeing. Naturopathic approach to health maintenance, prevention of illness and disease and therapeutic interventions for the treatment of acute and chronic ailments are presented. Prerequisites: CAT 230, BIO 117 Human Nutrition, BIO 313-314 Anatomy and Physiology. Offered As Needed.